Monday, June 21, 2010

TROLL FREE ZONE

According to Wikipedia, not always the most reliable source, but in this case exceedingly accurate, “In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog”

Because I want to deliver a personal message to you all I am, for this post, abandoning my usual journalistic use of the first person plural. Those of you who know my background, know I got my journalist credentials long before the internet came into being. I have, somewhat naively, allowed all readers to participate in comments on the blog. Until a few weeks ago I had never rejected any comments coming on the blog. Unfortunately, the trolls have recently arrived here at Dog Show Poop and must be eradicated. I don’t tolerate fleas on my dog and I won’t tolerate trolls on my blog. Because of the limits imposed by my host, Google, I cannot wholesale reject all anonymous comments.

I have earned a reputation for being unbiased and unwilling to participate in dog show politics, a reputation which I wish to maintain. However in recent weeks I have been accused of publishing “fluff” and being in the pockets of the dog world’s power brokers. Conversely, I have been chastised for providing a forum for rabble rousing character assassins interested only in bringing down the canine establishment. Partly because I allow some limited advertising on my blog, partly because I have attracted a sizable readership, many people assume I am earning an income from the blog. I once heard someone say to an experienced exhibitor, “I hear there’s a lot of money in the dog show game” to which the old timer replied, “Absolutely! I should know. I have put a lot of my money into it.” I accept no advertising from breeders, owners, or handlers and none of the photos appearing on this blog are paid advertising.

All of which leads me to this point. This is a personal blog, created and executed to promote the sport of pure bred dogs and to entertain my readers. I am very happy that so many people have found the blog enjoyable. I am the sole author of the content and the only person who has a say on editorial content. From that position, I am declaring this blog a TROLL FREE ZONE. I will post a permanent notice on my front page stating such. Because nearly 90 percent of the comments I receive are anonymous, I have decided to continue to allow anonymous comments with the following Provisos.

I will reject all personal attacks on individuals and/or their dogs.

I will reject all comments on a judge’s knowledge or abilities

I encourage comments on AKC policy, but will reject all personal attacks on AKC officials.

All published comments will appear at my sole discretion. If you feel your comment has been unfairly rejected, feel free to take it up with me via a private e-mail. I have enjoyed providing this blog to my readers and hope I can continue to do in a productive and civil environment.

Billy,The future is bright for this blog thanks to your new policy. I, and I am sure most of your readers, will appreciate the new "limitations" of DOGSHOWPOOP. Let the negative comments be kept among the negative thinkers, unlike most 'news' forums, I read this blog for a dose of positive info. :)Thanks for everything!SPC Kelli Johnson

Dear Billy – Thank you so very much for your amazing blog, which allows people like myself to be part of the dog show life. For most of my childhood (ages 8-18), I lived and breathed dogs and dog shows. As a shy and quirky child, this wonderful sport taught me so much about myself and helped me relate better to others. Friendships and comradery are such an integral part of the dog world. Unfortunately, politics just cannot seem to stay out of all aspects of life. In reading some of the recent comments, it saddens me (as I’m sure it does others) that such a wonderful, informative blog has to be tainted by such negativity. There’s no doubt that you have MANY supporters like myself who have incredible appreciation for the work you do. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you, Billy, for all of your hard work. I appreciate your site and check it daily for info that I am unable to find anywhere else. Keep up the good work AND keep those trolls away! I couldn't figure out a way to post my name so I went with the easier "anonymous", but I'm Gayle.

Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this blog! In recent weeks people have been out of control with their negative comments. I am always open to peoples opinions but if you do not have the courage to put your name to it.....keep it to yourself! Thank you again for providing a great addition to the sport!

I consider Dog Show Poop to be a "very happy place" in the sport of purebred dogs. Your blog is presented in a positive fashion, and it is accurate and timely. As I have become the "stay at home kennel mom," your blog allows me to feel a part of each and every show. Thank you so much for all that you do -- it is very obvious you are a gentleman and a sportsman -- I applaud you.

Billy , AS someone who has enjoyed your blog immensely , I must say BRAVO!!The Blog is yours and while I don't manage to read it everyday , I read pretty often. I don't think you have ever been unfair to any dog either for or against . I agree with Patty , I'm open to opinions both positive and negative but own them ,if you have something to say , have at it but OWN IT!THANKS Again for the Blog, Dottie

Billy,I see that many have beat me to thanking you for the hard workand very informative blog!!! Keep your high standards and don'tallow trolls to spoil things for us!!I have been "out of action" in the ring for quite some time becauseof knee and back problems, and having your blog to read, it makesme feel as though I was at a show. You do a fantastic job!!!Thank you!DeAnn UlmerPrairied Breeze Pekes

Thanks Billy for a great Blog. Keep up the good work. I would hate for the "trolls" to ruin it. Your site is saved in my favorites and read almost daily. I can only imagine the amount of time and effort that goes into making it as wonderful as it is. Again, Thanks! - Julie

Wow, wish I had you today at my show - my boy lost to a bitch and when I walked out of the ring, I had three comments from people saying, "Well, look at the handler you were up against." His bitch sat down while being examined, actually peed herself, and had her tail so far between her legs, it wasn't even funny. I'm still gritting my teeth right now. Way to go for not caving to the political aspects of this field!!!

People who post anonymous comments often do so for a reason. I have submitted anonymous TRUE reports of happenings that you have NOT posted on your forum that could easily be verfied. I appreciate not wanting alot of nasty comments but truthful comments being posted would be appreciated. We need more honesty in this so called sport.

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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